Philosophy final

M

ODULE

5

A

SSIGNMENT

:

T

ELEOLOGICAL

AND

C

OSMOLOGICAL

A

RGUMENT

E

SSAY

O

VERVIEW

In the wo

rds of Peter Kreeft, “The idea of God is either a fact, like sand, or a

fantasy, like Santa.” This is the fundamental question raised in Module 5. Namely,

what are we rationally entitled to conclude about God’s potential existence? And if

God does exist, w

hat type of God is supported by empirical evidence? Said

differently, is it rational to believe in a God that is omniscient, omnipotent,

omnibenevolent (call these the three O’s), or does this characterization fail to hold

up to scrutiny?

In support of the

claim that God exists, there are two options to consider during

this module. First, is the cosmological argument, which generates the conclusion

God exists based on fundamental considerations about the cause of the world

and/or why there is something rath

er than nothing. Second, is the teleological

argument, which posits the existence of God based on the appearance of design.

Both arguments rest on empirical (or a posteriori) reasoning. Both have deep roots

in the history of philosophy. Both have particula

r versions that are important to

consider for your essay.

In support of the claim that God does not exist, is the problem of evil. According to

it, based on a careful examination of moral and natural evils in relation to the three

O’s, God simply cannot ex

ist. Said differently, pairing together the fact of evil with

the concept of God is like postulating the existence of a round

-

square. A round

-

square is a contradictory object, whose actual existence is not rationally justified.

So, too, (goes the argument)

is an omniscient, omnipotent, omnibenevolent God

that allows for moral and natural evil.

Essay Question:

Critically evaluate ONE of the above three arguments (i.e., the

cosmological, teleological or problem of evil) for or against God’s existence. Do NOT

write on all three topics. The idea here is go into depth on a single one. Please note

that there are different versions of these arguments, and it may be wise to

distinguish between the different versions in your essay.

I

NSTRUCTIONS

1.

Download and view the

Essay

Writing Guide

.

2.

Write and submit a thoughtful, clear and succinct thesis writing assignment

of 1

000

-

1500 words, in direct response to the Module 4 assignment above.

MODULE 5 ASSIGNMENT: TELEOLOGICAL

AND COSMOLOGICAL ARGUMENT ESSAY

OVERVIEW

In the words of Peter Kreeft, “The idea of God is either a fact, like sand, or a

fantasy, like Santa.” This is the fundamental question raised in Module 5. Namely,

what are we rationally entitled to conclude about God’s potential existence? And if

God does exist, what type of God is supported by empirical evidence? Said

differently, is it rational to believe in a God that is omniscient, omnipotent,

omnibenevolent (call these the three O’s), or does this characterization fail to hold

up to scrutiny?

In support of the claim that God exists, there are two options to consider during

this module. First, is the cosmological argument, which generates the conclusion

God exists based on fundamental considerations about the cause of the world

and/or why there is something rather than nothing. Second, is the teleological

argument, which posits the existence of God based on the appearance of design.

Both arguments rest on empirical (or a posteriori) reasoning. Both have deep roots

in the history of philosophy. Both have particular versions that are important to

consider for your essay.

In support of the claim that God does not exist, is the problem of evil. According to

it, based on a careful examination of moral and natural evils in relation to the three

O’s, God simply cannot exist. Said differently, pairing together the fact of evil with

the concept of God is like postulating the existence of a round-square. A round-

square is a contradictory object, whose actual existence is not rationally justified.

So, too, (goes the argument) is an omniscient, omnipotent, omnibenevolent God

that allows for moral and natural evil.

Essay Question: Critically evaluate ONE of the above three arguments (i.e., the

cosmological, teleological or problem of evil) for or against God’s existence. Do NOT

write on all three topics. The idea here is go into depth on a single one. Please note

that there are different versions of these arguments, and it may be wise to

distinguish between the different versions in your essay.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Download and view the Essay Writing Guide.

2. Write and submit a thoughtful, clear and succinct thesis writing assignment

of 1000-1500 words, in direct response to the Module 4 assignment above.